Martinez Begins Firing Richardson Appointees Moved To Classified Jobs

New Mexico – Gov. Susana Martinez's administration is ousting governmental appointees from former Gov. Bill Richardson's administration who shifted to classified jobs with civil service protections.

Martinez spokesman Scott Darnell confirmed that three classified Public Safety Department employees were fired Thursday. Among them was departmental former spokesman Peter Olson, an appointee who had moved to a classified position last September as search and rescue resource officer.

Olson said he was told the administration could fire him with a 24-hour notice during a one-year probation for new classified workers.

Darnell said the three DPS workers were no longer needed and the administration is reviewing probationary employees on a case-by-case basis.